Minutes of Meeting – March 19, 2014; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ken Fowler; Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche. Absent: John McNinch.
The Board met with the Finance Committee at 6pm to review the proposed FY15 budget. The Finance Committee was fine with all of the town budgets, and is waiting on the School Department for their figures. They went through the few concerns/thoughts they had, seeking input from the Selectmen. The suggested that any surplus revenue should be incorporated into the Brunell Avenue pump station project. At 7pm, the Board entered their regular Selectmen’s meeting.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Jeff Vincent informed the Board that National Grid needs to upgrade the electrical service as part of the Brunell Avenue pump station project, and that they need to relocate two poles on West Street as part of this work. MOTION by EL, seconded by KF to grant permission to National grid to relocate the two poles as described. 4/0 vote.
MOTION by CG, seconded by EL to accept the Minutes of March 5 as presented. 4/0 vote.
Frederick Keator came before the Board to discuss the Community Preservation Committee’s recommendations for how the CPC funds should be utilized this year. He briefly touched on each of the five projects: $10,000 for the Roche Reading Park, $8,000 for an architectural study at the town beach, $10,650 for an engineering study for the Community Center basketball courts,[contingent upon architectural drawings and engineering studies ($64,350)], $50,000 for the restoration of a historic fire truck and $66,000 to continue with the Church on the Hill stone project. He stated that they would also like to see $50,000 placed into the Open Space account. They would like to see this account get up to $450,000 to $500,000 so that if and when an opportunity arises, the Town will have some funding to work with. He
reminded the Board that CPC funds are for projects, and should not be relied on for long-term maintenance or to fund needs that were overlooked. The Board then discussed the FY15 budget briefly, explaining that they are waiting for the school budget figures which they hope to receive after their March 24 meeting.
Ambulance Director Chris Long appeared before the Board, seeking permission to utilize a Hardship Application that has been put together for use with individuals who are unable to pay the entire bill, and to explain how he wishes to modify the billing to a bundle approach (Basic or Advanced Life Support). He went on to explain that with the bundle approach, the Town should see an increase in revenue. The Board thanked him for his efforts, and approved of both of these items.
Floyd Tuler came before the Board to update them on the Laurel Lake Management Program. He stated that the drawdown appears to be limiting the zebra population. However, the drawdown does not appear to have any detrimental effect on the wetlands.
Carl Pratt and John Eustis came before the Board seeking $5000 to assist with the Berkshire Cycling Classic scheduled for this year. This will be year three of this event, and he estimates 600 participants. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 14. The Board thanked them for coming in, and will vote on this funding request at their April 2 meeting.
Ken Fowler updated the group on the solar projects. He stated that Broadway is out of business, and that a new firm E-NRG is interested in picking up the projects. Time is running out, and if the contract with WMECO changes, it could kill the project. He mentioned another company that has some interest is Blue Wave. CG stated that at some point the Board may need to go into Executive Session with Attorney Grandchamp to discuss the solar projects.
Consent Agenda: DR went through each item on the Consent Agenda, asking if any items needed a Hold placed on it. DR asked that the HHW Collection Program be voted on separately. MOTION by KF, seconded by EL to approve the following: granting of a Seasonal A/A license to Seranak; a One-Day W&M license to Lenox Baseball for 5/10 from 7-10pm at the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club; Four One-Day W&M licenses to Ventfort Hall for 4/9, 16, 23 and 30 from 5:30-7:30pm. 4/0 vote. MOTION by EL, seconded by CG to participate in the HHW Collection Program for FY15. 4/0 vote.
BOS Reports: KF clarified that the Environmental Committee is not slowing down on the ban on plastic bags, but that it is a priority topic going forward. They are merely watching how the ban is proceeding in other communities. CG mentioned that the Planning Board is moving forward with housekeeping warrant articles. Librarian Sharon Hawkes invited everyone to attend the Distinguished Lecture Series on Sunday, 3/23 with Dave Roche, Rep. Smitty Pignatelli and Senator Ben Downing.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Interim Town Manager Board of Selectmen
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